Cosmetic Dentistry

Invisalign

You’ve likely seen traditional metal braces in the mouths of both kids and adults. Although they get the job done, these braces can be uncomfortable, costly and unattractive. Straightening your teeth is a big job, but luckily there is now a very popular alternative – Invisalign. This option is almost completely invisible, removable and still straightens teeth to help them look their very best. Invisalign has allowed teens and adults the chance to obtain a beautiful smile without worry of social stigma.

Standard braces are placed on the teeth themselves. In addition to the actual braces, there are a number of various attachments. These can include bars, elastics, rubber bands and springs, all of which can catch food, prevent you from brushing or flossing correctly and keep you from getting your teeth as clean as they could be. Food caught in braces can also cause bad breath and may result in more frequent cleanings that can add to your dental expenses. When braces are not cleaned properly, the patient may experience tooth decay and decalcification. It can be a “a pain” to have braces.

Invisalign aligners are not made out of metal. They have smooth plastic edges that do not cause irritation to the tissues in your mouth. When the aligners are back from the laboratory, you are ready to begin. Simply snap them in place over your teeth. At first, you will notice that they feel a little tight. This is intentional. The aligners have been designed to gently start re-positioning your teeth into a different position. In a few days, the first set will feel like they fit, and in two weeks it will be time for a new set. This new set will again feel snug as they continue to move your teeth ever so slightly. This process is repeated every two weeks until your teeth are straightened. Our cosmetic dentist will monitor your progress to ensure a great result.

Invisalign

Understanding Lumineers

When people consider undergoing a major dental makeover to fix teeth alignment and other dental issues, veneers are usually the first treatment that comes to mind. Although veneers are an effective way to achieve a flawless smile, the procedure is more radical than with Lumineers. Our cosmetic dentist transform smiles all across Massachusetts with high-quality, affordable Lumineers.

With our cosmetic dentistry in Arlington ma office, we transform your smile with high-quality, less-invasive. affordable dental Lumineers. When people consider undergoing a major dental makeover to fix teeth alignment and other dental issues, veneers are usually the first treatment that comes to mind. Although veneers are an effective way to achieve a flawless smile, the procedure is more radical than Lumineers.

While the end result of veneers is a stunning smile and perfected teeth alignment, similar results can be achieved with the less invasive Lumineers dental procedures. According to our cosmetic dentist, Lumineers offer the same benefits as porcelain veneers, however, more of the original teeth remain in place. There is less reduction of the teeth before the Lumineers are applied.

Forget those long, drawn out procedures that require visit after visit. Lumineers, a two-visit procedure, and are for those patients looking for more instant gratification. Another perk of Lumineers is that the procedure is reversible. Lumineers are simply bonded to the original teeth and set in place by a curing light. Therefore, if the patient ever wishes to restore their natural smile, they can opt to have the Lumineers removed at any time.

Understanding Lumineers

Porcelain Veneers

Dental veneers are wafer-thin translucent shells that are custom-made to fit over your teeth. Applied with a special glued designed to last for years, dental veneers have become a popular type of cosmetic dentistry because of the improved appearance they provide to your teeth and smile. Dental veneers, which are typically used on the front teeth, are successfully used to cover a wide variety of dental problems.

Porcelain (or “ceramic”) veneers are not false teeth. They are shells that cover only the front of an existing tooth. Porcelain veneers are very common and can be used to cover virtually any type of cosmetic dentistry damage to the front of a tooth. Such as: Chips, Stained Teeth, Worn Teeth, Cracks, Crooked Teeth, Broken Teeth, Disfigured or Misshapen Teeth, and Close Spaces

Porcelain Veneers are natural looking. There’s a misconception that porcelain veneers make your teeth look large and white. Chances are, however, you’ve seen many people with veneers and never even noticed. In reality, the ceramic shells are so thin, and their coloring is so precise, people will only notice how beautiful your new smile is. The goal is an improved smile, yet one which is based on the natural shape of your teeth.

Placing Veneers is a painless, straight-forward procedure It takes about three appointments over the course of a month. The porcelain veneers are bonded to your teeth with special cosmetic dental cement. The porcelain looks and feels like a real tooth, while the cement gives the porcelain the strength of a real tooth. There really is no special upkeep for your veneers – in fact, they don’t stain as easily as real teeth. Just treat them (hopefully) as well as you do the rest of your teeth, and they should last for years to come. At Dental Associates of Arlington, you will find an experienced cosmetic dentist who will help you achieve a more polished set of teeth.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain Crowns

Over time our teeth begin to weaken and become more susceptible to problems such as decay, cracks, discoloration and others. If you feel your smile isn’t what it once was, crowns can help you recover your smile. If your cosmetic dentist notices that a tooth is decayed or seems weakened/cracked a crown may be necessary to make sure that there are no additional problems with the tooth. In cases like this a filling or bonding will not be sufficient.

Crowns can be made from porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or a full gold crown. To maintain a natural look and feel a porcelain finished crown is best, as it can be matched to the shade of your other teeth. This will allow it to blend in and appear just like one of your natural teeth. The reasons you would need a porcelain crown would be: 1) Broken or fractured teeth, cosmetic enhancement, decayed teeth, fractured filling, large fillings, tooth has a root canal.

A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment with the cosmetic dentist will include taking several highly accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown. A mold will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.

While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly. At your second appointment, our cosmetic dentist will remove your temporary crown and the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.

Porcelain Crowns

Replacement Of Old Metal Fillings

In the past if you had a cavity, your only option was a metal filling. But patients today have a more attractive option: Tooth-colored composite fillings. And the results are so remarkable that many patients wonder if they should proactively replace all their metal fillings with composites. It’s a choice that patients should make in consultation with you cosmetic dentist. Our cosmetic dentist offers a full range of cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments in Arlington and can explain the ins and outs of tooth-colored fillings as well as discuss when replacing metal fillings is appropriate.

In short, the simple answer is replacement is a good option for certain patients. Our cosmetic dentist do not recommend removal unless patients want the sliver out, want it removed for esthetic purposes, if a fracture is present, or if it becomes decayed.

Dental Composite restorations have become mainstream since the 1990s. Composites are a relatively new choice, but one that has quickly climbed in popularity for a number of reasons. A prime consideration for many patients is appearance. Restorations with composites create a tooth-colored repair that blends in with other teeth, avoiding the harsh and unattractive appearance of metal. But other advantages are that dental composite does not contain mercury, bond to the tooth and strengthen it, and require less of the tooth to be removed to place the filling.

As the health risks of metal (amalgam) dental fillings continue to raise concerns, it has become more common for people to have them removed and replaced. Dental Associates of Arlington offers state-of-the-art composite (tooth colored) fillings to replace silver fillings.

Replacement Of Old Metal Fillings

Take Home Teeth Whitening System

As we age, our teeth lose the brilliant whiteness that implies good dental health and youth. The unsightly stains associated with tobacco, dark liquids, and other factors can leave us feeling less-than-confident about our smiles. Fortunately, there is a simple solution to this dental problem: cosmetic tooth whitening. Our practice provides convenient, take-home tooth-whitening programs and in-office ZOOM! tooth whitening to our patients.

Professional in-office teeth whitening treatment is ideal for people who want a brighter, whiter smile without the wait. You can significantly brighten your smile with our state-of-the-art in-office teeth whitening system, available at our Cosmetic Dentistry office in Arlington.

Take-home tooth whitening products can be administered in the comfort of one's own home. Using a set of customized mouth trays and a whitening gel, our take-home tooth whitening system will give you beautiful results in just 7 to 10 days. We make impressions of your teeth so that your customized tooth whitening tray can be crafted, and give you detailed instructions on how to use the trays at home with the whitening gel.﻿

Take Home Teeth Whitening System

In Office Teeth Whitening Treatment

Even people who take care of their smiles often have discolored or stained teeth. This can be due to a number of factors, including the natural process of aging, consumption of wine or coffee, and/or the use of tobacco products. Our cosmetic dentist offers a take-home whitening (bleaching) treatment, as well as in-office teeth whitening procedures to help you achieve that bright smile you have always wanted.

The Zoom! in-office whitening system is a revolutionary tooth whitening procedure offered at our Arlington dental office. It's safe effective and very fast. In just under an hour, your teeth will be dramatically whiter. Zoom! Whitening is ideal for anyone looking for immediate results. The convenience of Zoom! in comparison to days of wearing trays and gradual whitening makes it the perfect choice for the busy patient.

The Zoom! light activated gel was developed after years of research. The gel is a scientifically formulated, pH balanced Hydrogen Peroxide that, when activated by the Zoom! light, gently penetrates the teeth to remove deep stains and discoloration. With proper care and an occasional touch-up at home, your whiter smile will sparkle for years.